Memoirs Of A Geisha

by Arthur Golden

A fictional account of a geisha memoirs in the early 1900s, Japan. Sakamoto Chiyo was born in poverty stricken fishing village. Unable to cope with life harshness, she was sold at the age of nine to an okiya (geisha house), while her older sister, Satsu, was sold off into a prostitution den. From then on, Chiyo determines to escape, but life, betrayals and circumstances living in the okiya makes her debt to the owners of the okiya accumulates, making it harder for her to leave. The most famous geisha in the area then, Hatsumomo, was determined to make Chiyo live between her clutch. By blackmailing, she makes Chiyo pledge loyalty for her own personal benefit. 

However, driven to a dead end, Chiyo finally attempted to escape but fail. This reduces Chiyo to be a maid from a geisha-in-training. Years later, an encounter with a man on the street makes Chiyo determined to become a full fledged geisha for an chance to meet the man again. Unexpectedly taken under the wing's of Mameha, one of the top geisha in Japan, Chiyo was trained to be one of the famous geisha. Now Sayuri, Chiyo is well sort after and building reputation for herself as geisha, thanks to the guidance of Mameha. Her mizuage (deflowering) ceremony was one of the highest, more than enough to pay off her debts to the owner of her okiya. As much as she wants the man she met previously, which she come to know to be Chairman, to win her mizuage during the bidding, but circumstances force her to realize he can never bid for her.

Later, determine not to have other man as her danna (some sort of a husband), a relationship that may deem a lifetime, Sayuri plots to escape from her fate, but jealousy of a peer fails her plan miserably. Will Sayuri be able to finally find love, a word that seems never for a geisha?

Why you should get this book?

A glimpse into the world of Japan's geisha, their culture and tradition that still live til today's modern Japan although less significant compare to the period set in this book. However, it is still a good learning experience and discussion for book club.

Did you know?

The book had been adapted into a movie starring Chinese actress, Zhang Ziyi (Sayuri), Gong Li (Hatsumomo), Malaysian actress, Datuk Michelle Yeoh (Mameha) and Japanese actor, Ken Watanabe (Chairman). The movie was released in December 2005.

 There is one (1) copy of pre-loved paperback version of this book available at the moment selling for RM15, inclusive of delivery. 

A Walk To Remember

by Nicholas Spark

Set in 1950s America, love was not as complicated as it is today. At 17, Landon was a bit self centered, couldn't care less about life itself as he have all the time in the world. Not until Landon reluctantly invited Jamie Sullivan to a school's dance, after sourcing everywhere else but was turn down as every other worthy girl don't seem available. However, being a church minister's daughter, Jamie was the kind of girl Landon, being one of the popular student in school, would prefer not to be seen together as she is deem 'not cool', whatnot with her habit of carrying a leather bound Bible with her everywhere she goes and wearing old simple clothes. Surprisingly, Jamie makes Landon promise her that he will never fall for her before she agree to be his date for the dance.

Now that Landon owes Jamie one, by being a gentleman, later he reluctantly agree to join the cast of Jamie's Christmas play, "The Christmas Angel", despite knowing he will be mock by his friends. After rehearsal, it became a routine for Landon to walk Jamie home. Through this, the two grow closer and Landon starts to understand the reason behind the Bible, the various charity work Jamie is involve in, but most importantly, Jamie herself. A whole new world opens up to Landon, and he starts to fall for her, despite his previous promise to her.

Eventually, Landon finds out the reason behind Jamie's insistence that he shouldn't fall for her. Knowing that time is running out for them, Landon swears to give one last happiness to Jamie, and himself, even for a little while, by fulfilling her wish. As this short moment of a 'walk to remember' may be forever to Jamie, and a lifetime for Landon. But sometime, God have other plans.

Why you should get this book?

A simple innocent love story. A 'real' fairy tale, without prince and princess, but real normal people. The meaning of true love cannot be express better than this. Definitely will warm your heart. Nicholas Spark is a good story teller. Reading this, never once felt that the story is drifting away from the element. 

Did you know?

The book had been adapted into a movie starring Mandy Moore (Jamie) and Shane West (Landon). The movie was released in January 2002.

Snow Flower And The Secret Fan

by Lisa See

The story is set in ancient China about two girls from different background. Snow Flower and Lily grows up becoming best friends (the best friends forever~bff of ancient times) after being selected to be laotang (sworn sister). Through the secret language that is only known exclusively to women call Nü Shu, written in between the foldings of paper fan, they communicate and understand each other happiness, sorrows and many others despite being physically apart.

Not every woman is fortunate enough to be destined a laotang bond, but those who is fortunate can be described by the words of Lily's aunt, "A laotong relationship is made by choice for the purpose of emotional companionship and eternal fidelity. A marriage is not made by choice and has only one purpose — to have sons." In a time where marriages are arranged, laotang relationship is crucial for women to help each other on emotional level where fathers, brothers, husbands and sons may never understand despite all this people was the center of a woman's life at some point.

However, like any relationship which started off with a lie, this relationship was disastrous as the story progress. Despite Lily's acceptance of Snow Flower's situation after learning the truth about her sworn sister, but a shift of status in society hierarchy between them was a challenge. Lily's inability to forget Snow Flower's past lies had shape her to grow to believe her sworn sister will betray her despite the latter did everything to please Lily. Some words utter by Snow Flower is enough to destroy the bond that was purely misunderstood by Lily as betraying her for other 'sworn sister'. Will Lily find out the truth before its too late?

Why you should get this book?

The story provide a glimpse into what it was like to be a woman in ancient China (the period between 1800~1890) where traditions like foot binding determines a woman's destiny and fate. One may also learn of society's stigma and taboos during that period. Good topic to be discuss in book club.

Did you know?

The book had been adapted into a movie starring Chinese actress, Li Bing Bing (Lily) and Korean actress, Gianna Jun (Snow Flower). The movie was released in summer, 2011.

There is one (1) hardcover in stock for this title at the moment. Selling for RM40 inclusive of delivery.

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